How to prioritize heart disease prevention: diet, exercise, or stress?

[AriaH]

I'm a man in my early fifties with a strong family history of heart disease, and my recent checkup showed borderline high cholesterol and blood pressure. My doctor emphasized heart disease prevention through lifestyle changes before considering medication. I'm committed to making changes, but I'm unsure where to start for maximum impact—should I prioritize a specific diet like Mediterranean, a certain type of exercise, or stress reduction techniques first? I'd appreciate hearing from others who have successfully improved their cardiac risk factors through sustainable daily habits.

[OliviaDM]

Start simple: 15–20 minute brisk walks most days, add a tiny stretch or two, and focus on consistency. After a month you’ll likely feel more energy and see gradual changes in blood pressure. Then reassess and maybe bump duration or pace a bit.